Mantas Kudrevicius, 32, has been sentenced to four years and six months in prison for causing death by dangerous driving after a fatal collision on the A16 near Cowbit in August 2024.
The crash happened at around 11.30pm on 30 August when Kudrevicius, driving a BMW 325D Sport towards Spalding, crossed into the opposing lane and collided head-on with a Renault Twingo. The Renault was forced off the road and caught fire.
Passers-by rushed to help, pulling the unconscious driver, 28-year-old Shinead Francis, from the burning car and giving first aid. Emergency services arrived, but Shinead sadly died at the scene.
Kudrevicius, of Victoria Street, Quorn, Leicestershire, was also banned from driving for seven years and three months and must pass an extended driving test before regaining his license. Investigators found no mechanical faults in his vehicle.
Police said Kudrevicius had likely fallen asleep at the wheel after being active since early morning.
Witnesses confirmed he moved into the opposite lane and accelerated just before the crash, leaving no chance for Shinead to avoid it.
Detective Sergeant Kate Johnston of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Drivers must ensure they are well rested. Crossing into the opposite lane at night is extremely dangerous and can have tragic consequences, as Shinead’s family now knows.”
Her Honour Judge Catarina Sjolin Knight praised the bravery of those who rescued Shinead from the burning car.
